It is exactly ten years since the start of the first Government initiative on out-of-school childcare. Over those ten years the number of out-of-school clubs has grown rapidly from around 500 to more than 8,000.
And a strange phenomenon is emerging - Government investment in childcare could become a victim of its own success as the more childcare is made available, the more people want it. According to our annual industry statistics, there is currently a major increase in provision - but rising waiting lists.
Out-of-school childcare is the fastest growing sector in the childcare field - clubs are opening at a rate of 1,000 per year yet waiting lists have grown, with 25 per cent of clubs now having a waiting list. An average waiting list can be as much as 33 per cent of the places at the club (in London the average rises to 50 per cent). Ninety-three per cent of these clubs offer after-school care, 64 per cent summer holiday schemes and 50 per cent breakfast provision.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
